About Garr Tool
About Garr Tool
Garr Tool Company was founded by Fred Leppien in 1944, who began the business as a one-man, regional regrind tool company operating out of his garage in Saginaw, Michigan, before relocating to a dedicated facility nearby. The name GARR TOOL comes from the first letters of the names of Leppien's wife and daughters: Gertrude, Aleta, Rosemary, and Roberta.
What started as a small regrind operation grew steadily on the strength of quality products and reliable, friendly service, and by 2024 the company celebrated its 80th anniversary as a third-generation, family-owned business. That multi-generational continuity has let Garr Tool build deep institutional knowledge around carbide tool grinding and manufacturing over eight decades.
Today Garr Tool is an ISO 9001:2015-certified manufacturer producing roughly 14,000 tools a day at its state-of-the-art facility in Alma, Michigan, with a focus on end mills, drills, reamers, and routers. Garr Tool's solid carbide cutting tools, proudly made in the USA, serve industries including aerospace, automotive, medical, oil and gas, mold making, and mining.
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Frequently asked questions
Where does the name Garr Tool come from?
The name GARR TOOL comes from the first letters of founder Fred Leppien's wife and daughters' names: Gertrude, Aleta, Rosemary, and Roberta. Leppien started the company in his garage in 1944 as a regional regrind tool business.
What cutting tools does Garr Tool manufacture?
Garr Tool manufactures solid carbide end mills, drills, reamers, and routers, with a high daily production volume at its Alma, Michigan facility. Tell us your material and the type of cut you need and we'll match the right tool.
Is Garr Tool still family-owned?
Yes, Garr Tool is a third-generation family-owned business, celebrating its 80th anniversary in 2024 since Fred Leppien founded it in 1944. The company remains headquartered in Alma, Michigan.
Is Garr Tool ISO certified?
Yes, Garr Tool is ISO 9001:2015 certified, reflecting its quality control standards across a high-volume production operation making roughly 14,000 tools per day. This certification supports both aerospace and general industrial customer requirements.
What industries use Garr Tool products?
Garr Tool's solid carbide cutting tools serve aerospace, automotive, medical, oil and gas, mold making, and mining industries. Tell us your industry and application and we'll help identify the right tool from Garr Tool's catalog.